Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Epilogue ( Epilogue )

 

A/N: ::Bangs head against wall::

I can't believe I did that!

This is a repost because

I mixed up Odin's name

With, what I think is Luke Skywalker's Uncle.

X_x Just shoot me.

I don't even know where that came from.

Thank You, Shinigami's Forlorn Angel for pointing it out!

 

-Weissangel24

 

 

XxXxX

 

Epilogue

 

XxXxX

 

The next two weeks were dragged by in a tense atmosphere of worry, guilt and anger. If either Hiiro or Wu Fei were in a room, the other two would promptly and coldly leave. As soon as he was sure the Japanese boy wasn't going to die, Duo packed up all of his belongings and moved into a guest bedroom in less than an hour.

 

Desperate to receive some kind of reaction from his former lover, Hiiro confronted the braided boy in the hall. “Duo-Koi… Please… After all we've been through? Can't you just hit me and get past this? Quatre's fine! We did what we thought was best!”

 

“Leave me alone, Hiiro.” Duo warned, his violet eyes flashing with hurt and betrayal, “I told you that I'd never be able to forgive you for following that mission! I never lie! You should know that by now.” He shook his head, backing away from his love, “No… Hitting you would be too easy… It hurts worse if I don't.”

 

“Duo…” The teen shook his head, appearing to be a very frightened child.

 

Without another word, the braided boy spun on his heel and ran.

 

XxXxX

 

Things between the empath and the telepath weren't going well either. Although Trowa dutifully cared for his injured lover's needs, he refused to speak to him and barely tolerated looking at him. To make matters worse, the banged boy began to sleep on the floor rather than on the bed where Quatre longed for him to be.

 

The vibrant feelings of anger and betrayal mixed with love and concern made it difficult for the blonde to rest. Quatre knew that they needed to talk, but wisely kept quiet. The effects of being shunned were greatly beginning to take their toll on the new-type though, making his recovery twice as long.

 

To top it all off, Trowa adamantly refused to allow either Hiiro or Wu Fei anywhere near the smaller boy, while Duo made himself scarce, barely coming out of his room. Feeling ultimately alone and dejected, Quatre often cried himself to sleep.

 

XxXxX

 

Sally came every couple of days to check on the blonde's progress. Her visits were short and to the point. The level of unrelieved hostility in that house made her skin crawl. A tangible storm of emotions was stirring, about to blow sky high, and she had no intention of being there when it did.

 

XxXxXxX

 

Finally, the day came when Quatre was deemed fit to travel.

 

With silent reservations, the pale teen watched as the banged boy packed up their clothes.

 

“D-Do we need so much, Trowa?” The blonde asked hesitantly. “I-It's not like we're leaving for good…”

 

“…”

 

“We'll come back… won't we?” The empath couldn't help the waver in his voice, or the tears in his eyes. “T-Trowa…?”

 

“…”

 

“… Wh-What if…” Quatre swallowed painfully. “What if I refuse to go?”

 

Emerald eyes spun and pinpointed the smaller teen with an expression Quatre had never seen before.

 

It frightened him.

 

Finally, the banged boy spoke, for the first time since that day, his tone dangerously low and calm, “Then that would be your choice. Just don't expect to ever see me again.”

 

XxXxX

 

“Duo…” Hiiro whispered from the doorway. “Are you ever coming back?”

 

“… I don't know, Hiiro.” The braided boy answered honestly as he folded another of his shirts.

 

“Can… can I just explain something before you go?” The Japanese teen's voice was so small, so timid, that it sparked the other's curiosity.

 

“Whatever…” Duo shrugged carelessly.

 

The ex-pilot took the smaller boy's hand and tugged him over to the bed. Silencing the unvoiced protest, Hiiro pulled his lover to sit next to him, “You know that the mad five weren't the ones who were calling the shots?”

 

“…”

 

“The ones who controlled J and the others are part of a larger organization… One that I've been bound to for most of my life… The man who found me, Odin Lowe, was one of their top operatives…” He paused to watch Duo's reaction, “Do you know why he was the best?”

 

“…”

 

“They had his family, his wife and infant daughter. They used them as leverage in order to secure his obedience on every mission.” Hiiro shook his head, “Odin didn't have a choice… It was either comply or be responsible for the deaths of innocent people, who didn't even have a clue that they were being targeted… It was the same for all of us during the war… They had Wu Fei's clan, Quatre's family, Trowa's circus … and Your street gang…”

 

Duo's eyes grew wide, “I've never told you about…”

 

“I know. It's all in their file. You were given a mission when you were young- too young to even know it was a mission. It went against your code of ethics so you refused it, opting instead to do something else.”

 

“They were dead the next day… All of them…”

 

“They then used the Maxwell Church.”

 

The color drained from the braided boy's face, “It was my fault… I didn't listen… It was all them!? Every pain in my life was them!?”

 

“…”

 

“Who are they threatening, Hiiro?” Duo frowned. “Whose life hangs in the balance of your obedience?”

 

“I can't say. He's still in danger… but know this, my love… every time you accused me of putting the mission above my family, in truth, I was putting my family above my friends.” Hiiro sighed.

 

“Hiiro…” The teenager closed his eyes as he slumped against his lover's chest, “I'm sorry… I didn't know… I'm so sorry…”

 

“It's alright, Koi… I just wanted to explain… I had no choice… Quatre's plan… as foolish as it seemed… was my only option.” Hiiro sighed, wrapping his arms around the lithe boy's shoulders, holding him tightly.

 

“I know… I knew… I was-am-just so pissed about being deceived like that… I thought you trusted me, `Ro…”

 

“I do, Koi… I trust you with my life… but I also knew you didn't understand… couldn't understand…”

 

“So what now?” Duo whispered, savoring the warm feel of Hiiro's embrace.

 

“You'll go with Trowa and Quatre.” The boy nodded, continuing before the braided boy could protest, “Quatre's still weak and Trowa won't be so quick to forgive… Besides, they're planning on rescuing Isis, right? They'll need back-up.”

 

“And then?”

 

“It'll be up to you… Just know I'll wait an eternity for you to come back.” Hiiro whispered, tightening his hold on the smaller teen. “I love you, Duo. I never meant to hurt you… Please? At least accept my apology even if you never forgive me?”

 

A small smile lit up those violet orbs, “Apology accepted, Hiiro… and we'll see about being forgiven… I still feel betrayed, that's not going to disappear overnight.”

 

“I know.” A hopeful light flickered in defeated Prussian depths.

 

“I still need to finish packing. Trowa wants to leave by nine.” Duo sighed, looking at the disaster area that was his room. “I can't find my black shirt.”

 

Hiiro snorted, “Which black shirt? You have to be more specific.”

 

“You know… The one…” He frowned. “I wore it during the war… I can't find it…”

 

“I have that shirt.” The Japanese boy admitted with a blush.

 

“What!? Why on earth do you have my shirt?”

 

“You weren't there… It smelled like you… You took everything else.”

 

The small smile grew across the braided boy's lips, “Oh, `Ro…” He shook his head, “Can I have it back now?”

 

“Sure…” Hiiro nodded, leaving to retrieve the shirt and quickly returning with it.

 

“Thank you.” Duo smiled as he took his shirt back. Turning his back to his lover, the braided boy peeled off the shirt he was wearing and replaced it with the one Hiiro had given him. “I'm going to be gone for a while… Are you going to be alright?”

 

“I'll survive.”

 

Violet eyes glimmered as he held out the shirt he had just taken off. “Make sure you do… I'm going to want my shirt back.”

 

“Hai.” The boy sighed, burying his face into the garment and inhaling the fresh musky scent of his lover.

 

Arms suddenly wrapped around him, and Hiiro found himself relishing the embrace. “I love you, `Ro.”

 

“I love you, Duo.”

 

“Check your email. I'll keep in touch.” The braided boy promised.

 

“I look forward to it.”

 

After grabbing his bag, the braided boy placed a chaste kiss on his love's cheek before disappearing out the door.

 

XxXxX

 

What little color was in the empath's complexion completely drained when the taller teen dropped that bombshell. “W-What…?” He gasped, feeling his stomach suddenly drop, his world spinning.

 

“You heard me.” Trowa glared.

 

The icy tone stabbed at the empath, making him struggle for breath. “T-Trowa… You don't mean that… Please! Tell me you don't mean that!? Trowa!?”

 

“You're the empath, Quatre.” The banged boy scoffed. “You tell me what I do or don't mean.”

 

“… I can't.” The boy whispered, wrapping his arms around himself as his tears fell, “As angry as you are… it's blocking your other emotions...”

 

“…”

 

`D-Do you hate me that much, Trowa?' Quatre silently wondered, his eyes closing against the pain in his heart. `Have I hurt you that badly that you'll shun me forever?'

 

“Angry? Hurt?” The banged teen snorted, roughly shoving a shirt into his duffle, “That doesn't even begin to describe it, Quat.” He glared at the blonde. “You just don't get it!”

“Then explain it to me.” Quatre countered.

 

“I shouldn't have to.” Trowa whispered with a defeated sigh.. “I love you so much that it kills me inside… Every time you are away from me… every time you're in danger… every time… you come so close… to dying… I feel sick with worry. I would do anything for you- Give anything for you, just to keep you safe. I told you we would fight them. That I wouldn't l-lose you…” Some of the taller teen's anger dissipated leaving behind raw sadness. “But you didn't trust me…You tricked me, drugged me and went behind my back! Do you have any idea what it felt like to wake up alone to a note that said `It'll be all right. Love you always- Quat.'? You went on alone when I promised… I promised to always be there for you… with you… You didn't trust me, Quat… You didn't…” He stopped, a shuddering breath causing his shoulders to tremble as emotions broke free of their restraints. “Why?”

 

Quatre shook his head and unsteadily pushed himself from where he had been laying on the bed, “My love…” He whispered, “I do trust you… but you're not the only one who worries. Tell me, please… What were my options?”

 

“Fight! Run! IGNORE THE FUCKING ORDERS!?” Trowa yelled, throwing his duffle across the room.

 

“I thought about all of those… I really did.” Quatre sank to his knees, his hand at his chest as he panted for breath, “But be truthful, Trowa… If we had fought, we'd both be dead. If we ran, Hiiro would have hunted us down. If he ignored the orders, someone precious and innocent would have suffered for it… So what else could I do, but surrender?”

 

“…”

 

“We drugged you, and Duo, because we knew you couldn't understand…” The smaller teen paused as a sharp pain shot through his heart. “…and that your love for me would have overridden anything you had promised, and there was no way Hiiro'd be able to heal both of us…”

 

Arms wrapped around thin shoulders as they drew the still weakened boy close, “Shushshsshhh…” The emerald-eyed boy soothed, “Don't get excited! Sally said you need to take it easy!”

 

“I'm alright…” the empath assured, resting his head against his love's chest, “Just… tired.”

 

“Would you really choose to stay here?”

 

“Would I really never see you again?”

 

“…”

 

“Trowa… It was my idea. Wu Fei and Hiiro tried to talk me out of it, they really did… but at the end… they realized the same thing I did.”

 

“There was no other way.”

 

“It's not fair to punish them… hate them… for doing something they had to do.” Azure eyes locked onto Emerald, searching for something, “No matter what has happened, or what's going to happen, they will always be my friends and I refuse to sacrifice them… and you have to remember that even if they were the ones who pulled the trigger… They were also the ones who saved me.”

 

“I can't help how I feel, Quatre.” Trowa shook his head. “They shot you when they should have protected you.”

 

“I know… But think of how they're feeling right now? In order to save one friend, they've potentially lost three. Hiiro feels guilty and ashamed. He's torn with sorrow and is heartbroken. Wu Fei feels remorse and self-loathing. He feels like he let us down… When in truth… If it wasn't for him, Hiiro wouldn't have figured out how to activate his ability, and I'd still be dead…” The blonde placed his thin hand over his lover's, “You don't have to forgive them right away… but can't you at least allow for the possibility?”

 

“…” The banged boy thought about that. “They have been good friends...” He started off slowly, “And my only family besides you and Catherine… but…”

 

“How about this, then?” Quatre suggested, nuzzling his lover's turtleneck-clad chest, as a sigh escaped him, “We go and rescue my sister… And then decide what to do? Maybe by then, it won't be as fresh in your mind and sting so much in your heart?”

 

“That sounds like a good plan.” Trowa agreed, leaning down and kissing his lover's forehead. “Now let's get you back in bed. I want you to rest before we leave, and I need to finish packing.”

 

“You won't pack so much?” The blonde asked as his lover lifted the lithe body into his arms and carefully placed him on the bed.

 

“We'll have to save room for souvenirs, right?” The telepath winked.

 

A bright smile spread across the empath's face as the negative emotions lightened in his partner's heart, “Right.” He wrapped his arms around the boy's waist before he could leave, `Thank you, my love…'

 

/”I said I'd give anything for you, Quatre… that includes any bitter emotions I may hold…”/

 

“I love you.”

 

“I love you too. Now rest.”

 

XxXxX

 

Wu Fei stood stiffly at the top of the front stairs, watching as his ex-friend loaded up the car. He wanted to offer help, but given the circumstances, he didn't think it would be welcomed.

 

“This is the last of them.” Duo announced, brushing past the Chinese boy as he raced down the steps in order to hand Trowa the last bag. “Make sure this one doesn't get jostled around… I'd like to reach our destination in one piece, if ya know what I mean.”

 

“Planning on some fireworks?” Quatre asked from where he leaned against the doorframe.

 

Trowa frowned up at his lover, “You shouldn't be standing, Quat.” He reprimanded. “I don't want you overtaxing yourself.”

 

“I'm fine, Trowa.” The blonde waved off, “I've suffered worse.”

 

“Perhaps you should listen to him?” Wu Fei said quietly, offering his hand for support. “I wouldn't want anything to happen to you…”

 

Quatre smiled at his friend, accepting the hand as he felt his balance wobble. “I'm fine, I promise.”

 

“Are you sure? You seem pale…”

 

The teen rolled his eyes. “You know, you guys are worse then my sisters. If I wanted to be coddled, I'd call them.”

 

“We're not coddling you.” Trowa scowled, “We just worry about you.”

 

“Ya know… If he thinks we're bad…” Duo grinned mischievously, “We could call Rashid…”

 

“NO!” Quatre protested, what little color he had draining from his cheeks, “Please! I beg you, don't call Rashid!”

 

“It might be a good idea …” Wu Fei said thoughtfully, “I'm sure that he would be quite willing to come to his “Master's” aid…”

 

“Wu Fei…” the boy blanched, his level of anxiety beginning to escalate. “That's not necessary! I don't need them to come! Really!”

 

“Gosh…” Duo frowned contemplatively. “I guess we'll just have to inform them that Quatre doesn't want them around anymore… The “Master” has no more use for the Maganuacs…Boy, would I hate being the barer of that bad news…”

 

“Duo!”

 

“Actually, we can probably spare ourselves the hassle.” Trowa pointed out, “Once they hear of 04's demise, the whole troop will be here to demand answers and most likely to distribute retribution… Not to mention those sisters of yours… They're bound to want answers.”

 

“Oh, Allah…” Quatre whimpered, his knees buckling as the full realization of the truth in his friend's teasing words hit him. Arms caught the distraught blonde and gently eased him to sit on the steps.

 

“Quat…?” The banged boy inquired urgently, rushing up the front steps to his lover's side and kneeling before him, “Quatre?”

 

“Q? You okay?” Duo frowned as he hovered over the taller teen's shoulder.

 

“I didn't th-think…” The empath whimpered, pain pinching at his heart. “My family… my friends…”

 

“Don't worry.” Wu Fei consoled, “Yui and I will put out a suitable story that will satisfy everyone's concern while not divulging any real information.” The oriental studied the pale teen, “Are you going to be alright now?”

 

The blonde nodded, as he rubbed his chest. “Just… please, Trowa… please don't call Rashid…” Quatre pleaded, tears in his eyes.

 

“I won't.” Trowa assured, wrapping his arms around the thin boy. /“As long as you take care of yourself.”/

 

`I will.' The blonde mentally agreed, before looking around. “Where's Hiiro?”

 

“He's on the phone.” The braided boy smirked, going back to the car and closing the trunk. “Lady Une called demanding we report to her office immediately and explain our unexcused absentees.”

 

“So she can yell at us before firing us.” The Chinese boy snorted.

 

“I bet Mr. Xio Li is not at all happy we haven't caught the thief that broke into his company.” Quatre sighed, slightly sagging against Wu Fei.

 

“She can't fire us if we quit.” Duo shrugged.

 

“Yeah, but we can't claim unemployment unless we're fired.” Hiiro pointed out, coming out of the house, and wrapping a jacket around the ill teen, “You should dress warmer, Quatre.”

 

“What did the Hell-Bitch say?” Duo crossed his arms.

 

“I don't know. Relena wasn't there.” Hiiro smirked.

 

“Funny.” The braided boy shook his head, “I meant the other bitch.”

 

“That we're in deep shit.”

 

“What else is new?” The violet-eyed teen rolled his eyes.

 

Trowa cleared his throat. “I'm afraid Une is your problem, Yui. We need to be going; we've got a plane to catch.”

 

Quatre grimaced as the emotions of his friends turned gloomy. “Hey, it's not forever… we'll be back before you know it.” He reached up and gave Wu Fei a weak hug, “This will all blow over, you'll see.” He whispered, “I'm sorry I put you in the middle of this…”

 

“Don't be… I'm glad I could help you, my friend.” The noble boy admonished, returning the embrace, before helping the smaller boy to his feet. “Just take care of yourself…”

 

“We'll keep in touch.” Duo promised, giving Hiiro a brief hug and a chaste kiss on the cheek.

 

“Watch your back, koi.” Hiiro warned.

 

“No worries.” The braided boy promised.

 

The blonde then gave Hiiro a hug, “I never did thank you, Hiiro…” Quatre whispered.

 

“How can you thank me for taking your life?” The Japanese boy shook his head incredulously.

 

“Because…” Quatre smiled, “With Wu Fei's help…” He cast a grateful glance to the Chinese boy, “You were also the one to give it back. I can't thank the both of you enough!”

 

“Come on, Quat…” Trowa encouraged, tugging on his lover's arm. “That flight isn't going to wait for us.”

 

“How are you going to get on that flight?” Wu Fei asked, “If you use your name, then all of this will have been for nothing! They'll find you…”

 

“Who said I was going to use my name?” Quatre winked, leaning on Trowa's strength.

 

“I'd like to introduce my husband, Quatre R. Barton.” Trowa announced.

 

“HUSBAND!?” Duo exclaimed, his eyes nearly bugging out of his head. “When the HELL did THAT happen!? YOU guys never tell me ANYTHING!”

 

“It's not official yet, Duo.” Quatre explained. “With everything that has happened the way it has, we haven't been able to get our license notarized.”

 

“But Sally was able to print up the documents… We just need the seal.”

 

“Congratulations.” Wu Fei wished, bowing slightly.

 

“Thank you, Fei.” Quatre smiled as Trowa extended his hand, first to the Chinese boy, then to the Japanese, and shook them each in turn.

 

“We'll have to celebrate when you return.” Hiiro said.

 

“Definitely!” Duo agreed.

 

“That would be wonderful.” Quatre nodded, “But right now, we really must be going…”

 

Trowa helped his lover get into the front seat, then went around to the driver side. Pausing after he opened the door, he looked up to see the braided boy standing halfway down the stairs, “Coming, Duo?”

 

With a harsh swallow, the violet-eyed teen nodded, taking another three steps down the stair way. Pausing again, he whirled around and raced back up the stairs, flinging his arms around a very startled Hiiro. “I'm sorry!” the braided teen cried, “Of course I forgive you -I love you!”

 

“Duo… You have nothing to apologize for…” The Japanese boy sighed, a relieved smile spreading across his face, as he brought up his arms around the smaller teen. “I love you too.”

 

“Duo, we're going to miss our flight.” Trowa called.

 

“I know! I'm coming!” The boy shouted back, shifting in his lover's embrace, “I've got my cell…” He said softly. “I'll call when we arrive.”

 

Hiiro nodded as he reached up to brush away his boyfriend's tears. “I'll be waiting.” He leaned down and captured the braided boy's lips. The hungry kiss deepened as the smaller teen slipped his arms around the taller boy's neck, pulling their bodies closer to one another.

 

“Duo!”

 

“You need to go.” Hiiro whispered, breaking the kiss. “I love you.” He stated, punctuating each word with short kisses.

 

“I love you.” Duo smiled, before turning and running down the steps. Pausing before he climbed into the car, he turned and waved, “Laters, Wuffer's!” He grinned at the stunned expression on his Chinese friend's face, and disappeared into the back seat, the door slamming shut.

 

Quatre smiled, his hand resting over his heart. The warmth radiating from his friends signaled the beginning of a healing that would make their friendships stronger.

 

“You okay, Quatre?” Trowa asked, placing a concerned hand on the blonde's thigh.

 

“I'm fine, Trowa. Everything is heading back to where it should be.”

 

 

XxXxX

 

With lightened hearts, the friends bade good-bye,

Knowing that their paths would cross again…

 

XxXxX

 

Owari

A/N: So that's it.

The end of the first title in my Family arc.

I want to thank everyone for their dedicated reading

And for

Uplifting reviews and Motivating threats.

Thank you Kai-Li and Free Skylark

For Beta'ing.

This has been a blast to write.

I just hope that the sequel will be as much fun

And even more of a success.

Catch ya on the flip side!

Ja ne!

Weissangel24